CFIB Wants Temporary Foreign Worker Program Replaced by Special Visa

Ottawa has been contacted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to replace its controversial temporary foreign worker program with a visa that would allow entry-level employees from abroad to take up permanent residence.

A report released today says the organization is proposing the Introduction to Canada Visa that would address labour shortages for small businesses.

Dan Kelly, CFIB president and CEO says the temporary foreign worker program has been criticized for using TFWs to fill permanent labour market needs adding that small businesses would much rather hire permanent workers, but the immigration system doesn’t allow them to hire people with entry-level skills. The Canadian economy needs workers at all skill levels, Kelly says.

This new visa would allow foreign workers in entry-level categories to work with an employer for two years, forming a key step towards permanent residency.